Homemade panniers

I know people have used rubbermaid containers as homemade panniers and I am looking at modifying tis idea to make both front and back panniers for as cheap as I can. I figure instead of the storage type, I could use the garbage containers (18L x 2 in the back and 14L x 2 in the front) giving 64 litres total for all four panniers. Putting hooks on them is easy for the back but the front need to be a little different. Does anyone have any suggestions? The only problem with these is that most of them don't come with lids although I could maybe buy one with lids and modify the lid to waterproof it.......just some random thoughts on building reasonably cheap, tough, homemade panniers.

That was the one I was referring to when I said other people have done it. But that is the back panniers and I am wondering if anyone has any ideas on how one could use them in the front as well. I am also planning on using containers about half that size for the back. Those are huge!

Oh, ok. I don't see why you couldn't use a similar hook mounting system on the front. Most front racks that I have seen have a bar on them for mounting hooked panniers. As long as you could figure out a lid system you'd have a very robust hauling system. Ugly, but robust. What do you plan to carry with your panniers? Containers that were big enought to fit an entire grocery bag into could be very useful. However, for touring I could see taking everything out of the bins to get things in the bottom getting really old, really quick.

Yeah, I was thinking that it might become a bit of a hassle to have to take everything out and put things back in again. Maybe each pannier could be split into two compartments.....that would give eight smaller compartments that would limit taking everything out and putting it back in. Hmmm, obviously I have some thinking to do on this but I think I can make it work.......also, I don't think they would look too too bad if I gave them a decent paint job and if they weren't totally square......some of the garbage can type rubbermaids are rounded and don't look as bad as just using utility storage containers. Maybe a character paint job would make them "original".

If you used garbage containers you could always pack your stuff in a plastic garbage bags if you couldn't come up with a lid. You could also use some waterproof fabric sewn into a cap shape to fit the container and sew elastic around the edge so it would stretch over the top of each container. Post some pics if you manage to put something together.

God grant me the serenity to accept the hills and winds I cannot change;
courage to challenge the cagers I can; and wisdom to know the difference. (with apologies to AA)24 mi. roundtrip -- Maryland suburbs to DC and back.

Metal panniers are the best in my opinion. That and my rack cost $25 at Western Auto. Strong as you possibly can get with no chance of them breaking. Most Western Auto's should be able to order you one if they don't have them in stock out of their catalog. Far cheaper than anything an LBS will sell you. CLick on the pic for fullsize image.